Tinley Park Hosts Its First-Ever Halloween Decorating Contest

TINLEY PARK, IL — October is just around the corner and Halloween decorations are already being put on display around town. If they haven't already, residents will soon see skeletons, ghosts and of course, pumpkins in various areas of Tinley Park.

This October, the village said to "out-BOO" your neighbors in the first ever "Halloween House Decorating Contest," hosted by the village.

The contest will take place from now through Oct. 16, according to the village. Houses will be judged in three categories: scariest house, best overall theme and best special effects. The winner of the contest will receive a $100 gift card to the Tinley Park business of their choice, according to the village.

Houses will be judged from the street—judges won't enter private property— from Oct. 19 to Oct. 22. The winners will be announced Oct. 23. Lights, animations and decorations must be activated during judging, according to the village.

Tinley told Patch that this event is being held to offer an additional option for residents and visitors to enjoy Halloween festivities in a safe, socially-distant way. The village said it appears to already be a success, as they only recently announced the contest and already have 10 entries. They anticipate it will become an annual event, if it is well received.

The village said they will be sharing a list of homes entered in the contest for residents to drive by and view. Many residents took to social media to express their excitement.

One resident said "We look forward to seeing them! We live in an apartment so we enjoy everyone else’s decorations!!" Another said "For the record.... I think Halloween is listed as an "Essential Holiday."

Tinley Park has been noticed for their decorative displays for other holidays, such as Christmas. Resident Dominic Kowalczyk's 2019 display of over 150,000 lights synced with holiday tunes was voted the best in Chicagoland, on ABC-7 Chicago "Great Chicago Light Fight."

To participate in the Halloween decorating contest, visit the Tinley Park Village website and fill out the entry form. For any questions, email mktg@tinleypark.org.